---
title: "Software"
date: 2025-01-24
draft: false
description: "Information about the PlantCtrl Firmware"
tags: ["software", "rust", "esp32-c6", "firmware"]
---

The PlantCtrl firmware is a modern, reliable, and efficient system designed specifically for the ESP32-C6 RISC-V microcontroller. It is written entirely in **Rust**, leveraging the power of asynchronous programming to ensure low power consumption and high responsiveness.

## Core Technology Stack

*   **Language:** [Rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/) (no_std)
*   **Async Runtime:** [Embassy](https://embassy.dev/)
*   **Hardware Abstraction:** `esp-hal` for ESP32-C6
*   **Filesystem:** [LittleFS2](https://github.com/littlefs-project/littlefs) for robust persistent storage
*   **Web Framework:** `edge-http` for the integrated web server

## Key Features

### Intelligent Watering
The software manages up to 8 independent watering zones.
*   **Moisture-Based Control:** Automatically triggers pumps when soil moisture drops below a configurable threshold.
*   **Safety Limits:** Includes pump time limits, volume limits (requires flow sensor), and mandatory cooldown periods.
*   **Scheduling:** Define specific hours during which watering is allowed to occur.
*   **Pump Protection:** Monitors pump current to detect dry running or blockages (using INA219).

### Modular Sensor Integration
The firmware communicates with the new **CAN bus-based sensor modules**.
*   **Digital Accuracy:** Receives precise moisture data over the robust CAN bus protocol.
*   **Multi-Sensor Support:** Supports A and B sensor pairs for each plant to provide better averaging in large containers.

### Networking & IoT
*   **WiFi:** Supports both Station mode (connecting to your home network) and Access Point mode (for initial setup).
*   **MQTT & Home Assistant:** Full integration with Home Assistant via the `mcutie` crate. Reports battery status, moisture levels, tank levels, and allows remote configuration.
*   **Time Sync:** Uses **SNTP** to keep the internal Real-Time Clock (RTC) accurate.
*   **OTA Updates:** Firmware can be updated wirelessly via the web interface.

### Power Management
*   **Solar Optimized:** Works in tandem with the MPPT module to maximize solar charging.
*   **Battery Aware:** Monitors battery State of Charge (SoC). It can automatically disable non-essential features (like the nightlight) or enter a deep-sleep "rescue mode" if the battery is critically low.
*   **Low Power:** Uses ESP32-C6 power-saving features to ensure long autonomous operation.

### Integrated Web Interface
The firmware hosts a comprehensive web dashboard built with **TypeScript** and **Webpack**.
*   **Real-time Monitoring:** View current moisture, battery health, and solar production.
*   **Easy Configuration:** Change all system settings (WiFi, MQTT, watering rules) directly from your browser.
*   **Diagnostics:** Access system logs and hardware status information.

## Emergency Rescue Mode
If the system detects a missing configuration or an invalid system time, it automatically enters **Emergency Rescue Mode**. In this mode, it opens a WiFi Access Point ("PlantCtrl Init") allowing you to perform initial setup or recover the system.